Effect of Replacement of Concentrate Mixture by Artificially Grown Barley Fodder on Energy Utilization and Milk Production in Crossbred Cows

Twelve crossbred (Tharparker x Jersey) cows were equally distributed in three groups and fed wheat bhoosa ad lib with required salt and mineral mixture. Group I was supplemented with required amount of concentrate mixture and 4 kg green chaffed sorghum whereas cows of groups II & III were fed artificially grown barley fodder (BFGA) 20 kg and 30 kg, respectively, replacing 50 and 75% requirement of concentrate for 60 days. BFGA was superior over sorghum and wheat bhoosa considering its higher CP (14.28%) and energy (4.350 kcal./g) contents. DM and total energy intake were lower in group III than in groups I & II. However, digestibilities of DM, CP and energy (GE) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group III than in group I. There were no significant change in daily milk yield FCM yield and milk composition. Cost of BFGA production was more than the same amount of concentrate on DM basis. BFGA could easily replace concentrate mixture upto 75% without affecting nutrient and energy utilization as well as milk production though it is a costly proposition.